Thursday, February 26, 2009

Christy asked the nurse last night what the date was. The nurse told her that it was February 25th. Christy replied "that's my Dad's birthday!" Donald called us, and asked Kaeo when Dad Paul's birthday was. Today is Christy's dad's birthday! He would have been 73 today. The whole family misses him dearly! February 25th and February 26th sound an awful alot alike. Christy is sharp, I tell ya! Happy birthday to Dad Paul! You are missed.

What a wonderful gift we received today-- the approval from HMSA to go to Craig!!! Yay!! Our prayers have been answered. Thank you all for putting the effort into praying for Craig. Christy will go there. They said that they are holding a bed for Christy at Craig for Tuesday. This means we're scrambling to make arrangements to get on the plane Monday night!!! We are planning on me being the nurse escort for Christy. Flying first class, Christy will have more room and comfort. United has a one way flight to Denver!! We're working out the details.

KITV 4 was at Queens today interviewing Christy and highlighting her story on the 6pm & 10pm news today!! Jody Leong hosted the interview and broadcast. It was again the lead story. Lina (eyebrow and makeup artist) came t do Christy's eyebrows (waxing) and very natural make up today. Christy looked beautiful, of course. Christy's natural beauty is unmistakable. Christy was interviewed and did so well. Christy advised everyone to "Drive Safely". Donald and Christy had a romantic moment where they kissed. Christy said that she felt "Lucky" that she was able to see her kids again. It was very sweet, and we loved watching it with Christy tonight in her room!

Christy worked extra hard today down in the PT department. She stood for 20- 25 minutes today!! And she stood tall and strong with her shoulders back and her head up. She's been working toward this upright posture while standing. It's difficult to concentrate on so many muscles at once, and to control and contract them for so long. She did her best stand ever today! Christy also stood up with the walker. From a seated position, she initiated the stand with her leg muscles! This was a first for Christy & she did well!!

Kim, the speech therapist came today again, and gave Christy peaches to eat!!! Solid food that she had to chew! And she did so good, that they ordered her a food tray at each meal to start to eat on her own. Still all thicker stuff. There is this powdery stuff called "thicken up" that we can use to put in thin liquids to make it thick. It's sorta like thickening with cornstarch while you cook, but better. It's as if the little powder particles, expand in the liquid, and turn it thicker towards an ICEE consistency. Christy was sleeping when lunch and dinner came today, so she didn't enjoy any additional food, but there's tomorrow. They are also still giving her tube feeding.

Before we left Christy was still getting painful cramps. She was due for her muscle relaxer, and that may be why they were extra bad. Christy got pain medication and muscle relaxer, and stool softener. In anticipation for the long flight to Denver, we are trying to "trial" the ambien (sleeping pill) to see how long it keeps Christy comfortably sleeping. It's been helping her to sleep at night sometimes. We will be able to take pills with us on the trip and want to see which ones work the best for Christy. We want her to be as comfortable as possible now and throughout the entire flight! I'll keep you posted on the details!

Off to work I go again tomorrow! xo xo xo, gabby